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While United's position of eighth is their lowest at Christmas since 1989, they are on the comeback trail following a poor start to the month - winning their last four matches in all competitions after picking up just one point from nine in the Premier League at the start of December.

Ashley Young has two goals in his last two games after earning a recall from manager David Moyes and the England winger is eager for both himself and the team to carry their form into 2014.

"Before midweek, I hadn't scored in 18 or 19 months and to get two in a week is fantastic," he told the club's official website.

"It's vitally important [to win] now we are going into this busy Christmas and new year period. Getting wins and points on the board is what we want to do.

"We've got nine points up for grabs between now and the New Year and we want to keep building that momentum."

Hull, meanwhile, will hope that their solid recent form can inspire them to a first top-flight win over the Red Devils.

Steve Bruce's men have lost only one of their last five Premier League games, a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on December 4, winning one and drawing the last three.

Last season's Championship runners-up have relied heavily on home comforts to secure their healthy 12th place in the standings - having only been beaten once at the KC Stadium since their return to the Premier League.

And they will likely need another impressive home performance if they are to take anything against reigning champions United - against whom they have lost in all four of their previous meetings.

There are plenty of links between the two sides, both on the pitch and in the dugout, with Bruce helping United to three league titles between 1987 and 1996.

Hull, meanwhile, have former United players James Chester, Corry Evans, Paul McShane and Robbie Brady in their ranks, although the latter will miss out after having an injection to cure a persistent groin problem.

Corry Evans, brother of United defender Jonny, may also be involved although Bruce is likely to be without Stephen Quinn due to a hamstring injury.

Moyes has injury concerns as well, with Robin van Persie (thigh) and Michael Carrick (calf) likely to miss out, while Marouane Fellaini - who underwent surgery on a wrist injury on Saturday and is set for six weeks out - and Nani (hamstring) are definitely sidelined.

However, striker Danny Welbeck - who has scored three goals in his last two Premier League appearances - and captain Nemanja Vidic could shake off knocks to feature.